Contemporary China and Japan

I. Course Prefix/Number:
SSC 206

Course Name:
Contemporary China and Japan

Credits:
3 (3 lecture; 0 lab)

II. Prerequisite

None

III. Course (Catalog) Description

Course explores current societies in China and Japan. Content focus is on contemporary political-economic and social issues. Multidisciplinary approach uses perspectives from two or more of the following disciplines: history, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology and/or political science.

IV. Learning Objectives

To explore the political-economic and social structure of a transitional planned economy: China.

To explore the political-economic and social structure of a state with developmental orientation*: Japan.

To become aware of the interaction between tradition and modernity.

To study the changing roles of women within each society.

To recognize the international position and impact of each nation.

* As defined in Chalmers Johnson, MITI and the Economic Miracle, 1982, p. 19: “The developmental, or plan rational state . . . has as its dominant feature . . . substantive social and economic goals – in contrast to a state in which the regulatory orientation predominates. A regulatory, or market-rational state concerns itself with the forms and procedures . . . of economic competition, but it does not concern itself with substantive matters.” (The U.S. is an example.)

V. Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper
citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to
be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity
policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair
hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated
the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary
record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice
President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

The triangular structure of industry-business, the bureaucracy, and politicians

The role of negotiation in conflict resolution; reciprocal consent theory

Family and gender relations

Education

International relations

Current China-Japan relations

VII. Methods of Instruction

Lecture, discussion, audiovisual, small and large group work, other individual instructor methods of choice.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, hybrid or online course.

VIII. Course Practices Required

Reading: This is an intense reading course; texts and articles will be heavily used.

Writing: Students will be required to write for the class the equivalent of 12-15 typed pages of material that will be graded. This writing may take the form of a research or term paper, summaries of journal articles, and/or a series of shorter, analytical papers.

Oral presentations: Major papers

IX. Instructional Materials

Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's Schedule of Classes.

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Oakton Community College is committed to maintaining a campus environment emphasizing the dignity and worth of all members of the community, and complies with all federal and state Title IX requirements.